CAPTAIN Fantastic Chris Morgan ushered in the New Year with a last-gasp winner to send United into 2006 with a great chance of winning a Premiership place.

The burly central defender rose unmarked at the far post moments after the fourth official had signalled four minutes of time added on.

He got on the end of Phil Jagielka's cross and sent the ball looping over Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen.

Delighted United boss Neil Warnock said: "Chris had been a tower of strength at the back and it was fitting that he should get this goal. It was a great header.

"This is a fantastic result. I just can't praise this bunch of lads enough."

It was tough luck on Stoke, who looked to be on their way to a thoroughly deserved draw against the second-placed side.

"We gifted them the points," moaned City chief Johan Boskamp. "We were against one of the top teams and we were the better side.

"Sometimes sport can be very difficult and you don't get what you deserve."

City began the game by far the more composed. Even after conceding an early goal they hung in there until after the break before striking back through former Gillingham hitman Mamady Sidibe.

There was something of the old Blades about this victory, as they rediscovered their early season never-say-die attitude following the loss of their unbeaten home record on Boxing Day to Norwich.

Stoke came out with all guns blazing hoping to continue where the Canaries had left off.

But it was United who struck gold in the 18th minute when defensive midfielder Nick Montgomery rattled in his first of the season.

David Unsworth curled in a free-kick from the right which sent panic through Stoke's defence.

Simonsen flapped and Michael Duberry could only half-clear as Morgan challenged.

The ball came out to Montgomery at the edge of the area and the 24-year-old home-grown talent slammed in a low shot that went right into Simonsen's corner.

Until then United had looked uncertain and lacked cohesion. Stoke could easily have gone ahead.

West Ham loan signing Luke Chadwick, who may well join the club permanently this month, was City's most potent force.

The 25-year-old former Manchester United protege created the first opening after five minutes, providing the cross that ended with Paddy Kenny pulling of a smart save from Sam Bangoura.

Five minutes later Chadwick was beating a path to goal again. He let fly from 20 yards and the shot almost deceived Kenny. It needed the boot of Leigh Bromby to clear.

Paul Gallagher, who has impressed since joining City on loan from Blackburn, went close with a half-volley a minute later before Montgomery gave United the chance to breathe.

But the Blades just couldn't find the killer goal despite having plenty of chances. Danny Webber forced Simonsen into another good save while Jagielka fired narrowly over the bar from 30 yards.

Still, United looked like they had paid the price for not cashing in on their chances when Sidibe bagged his fourth of the season. It was a late birthday present for the Mali star who was 26 a little over a week ago.

Bangoura was allowed to track across field before laying the ball off to Chadwick. His shot was partly blocked but fell perfectly for the striker who sidestepped Kenny before slotting in an equaliser.

Chadwick saw Kenny tip his 20-yard left-foot shot over the bar and the keeper's trailing leg stopped Darel Russell from grabbing a winner.